Like most places, Labor Day weekend feels like the last hoorah for summer as kids head back to school and the September Autumn season is just around the corner. The same is true in Sun Valley, although the typical ‘dread’ of summer ending is not quite the same. Lots of locals (and visitors) are counting down the days to winter and ski season. With just a few months out, ski season will be here before we know it. Until then though, we can enjoy these beautiful bluebird sunny days and welcome a fun Labor Day weekend of festivities.
In Sun Valley and Ketchum, Idaho, a traditional Labor Day weekend is celebrated with the Annual Wagon Days on August 30th through September 1st. Taking place in downtown Ketchum, the celebration is a full weekend of highlighted activities including a barn dance at the Ore Wagon Museum, a Papoose pancake breakfast in the Town Square, as well as the largest non-motorized parade in the Pacific Northwest. Folks can also enjoy cowboy poetry, bareback horse riding demonstrations and much more. There is a special set up for children’s activities on Fourth Street between Walnut and East Avenue. Children, adults and families alike will love the street party in Town Square after the parade. More information and lineup of Wagon Days can be found here: https://www.visitsunvalley.com/to-do/wagon-days/
Kick off the weekend Friday evening with a Gallery Walk in downtown Ketchum. Take in beautiful exhibitions of newly installed art while enjoying wine and small bites. Mingle with friends and meet the artists. The gallery tours are available from the Sun Valley Gallery Association where you can stroll through some of the most beautiful galleries in Sun Valley/Ketchum.
After the Gallery Walk, enjoy relaxing at the ‘Movies on the Lawn’ event featuring a free screening of Goonies on the Sun Valley Pavilion Lawn. The movie starts at dark around 8:00 p.m. There will be concessions available for purchase.
On Saturday, start your day with free complimentary yoga at 9:00 a.m. with a local yoga instructor on the River Run Lodge Plaza where the sunrise flow will have you feeling amazing. Be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a mat if you have one.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful outdoors on the trails around Sun Valley with incredible hiking and mountain biking. Indulge in a delicious dinner afterwards at one of the many restaurants. Then, treat yourself to Sun Valley on Ice where the 2019 United State Gold Medalists Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc will skate an impressive show.
Continue the weekend exploring the Sun Valley and Ketchum area and be sure to take a visit to Wagon Days where the real Idaho west comes alive. For more information on lodging and things to do visit sunvalley.me
